A security setting is detecting HpPortlox64.sys as a vulnerable driver and blocking it from loading,

[Mejaho]

A security setting detects HpPortlox64.sys as a vulnerable driver and blocks it from loading, What must I do?

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Mejaho 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like HpPortlox64.sys is being flagged as a vulnerable or outdated driver by your security software or Windows Defender, which is preventing it from loading. This driver is typically related to HP printer services (often related to security and device protection), but if it's being flagged, it could be because it needs an update or there’s a conflict with your security software. Here's what you can do:

1. Update the HP Printer Drivers

• Go to HP's official website and search for the latest drivers for your printer model. It's essential to ensure that you’re using the most current version of the drivers, which might have updated the HpPortlox64.sys driver.
• Download and install the drivers. During installation, if it asks to overwrite or update the existing driver, confirm and follow the prompts.

Steps to update drivers:

• Go to HP's Support website.
• Enter your printer model (e.g., HP ENVY 5055, HP 7602, etc.).
• Download the latest driver package and install it.

2. Update Windows and Check for Security Updates

• It's also a good idea to update Windows to the latest version to ensure that your system has all the necessary security patches.
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
• Ensure that your security software (e.g., Windows Defender) is up-to-date as well, as sometimes these security programs have false positives or can block drivers unnecessarily.

3. Temporarily Disable Your Security Software

• If your security software (like Windows Defender, a third-party antivirus, or firewall) is falsely flagging HpPortlox64.sys, you can temporarily disable it to allow the driver to load.
• However, be cautious when doing this, and make sure to re-enable your security software immediately after the driver is installed.

To temporarily disable Windows Defender (for example):

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
• Scroll down to Manage settings, and turn off Real-time protection.

Then, attempt the driver installation again.

4. Check Device Manager for Driver Conflicts

• Open Device Manager (press Win + X > Device Manager).
• Look for any issues with your HP printer or related devices. If you see an exclamation mark next to the printer or its associated driver, right-click and choose Update Driver.
• You can also try Uninstalling the device from Device Manager and then reinstalling the drivers from HP’s website.

I hope this helps.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[naturebuff920]

I have the same question, but I do not have a HP printer.  Is this the printer driver for the computer no matter what brand of printer I have?